Death toll from Israeli airstrike on central Lebanon rises to 8

By Anadolu staff

BEIRUT (AA) - The death toll from an Israeli airstrike on Baadaran, a town in the Chouf district of central Lebanon, has risen to eight, according to the Lebanese National News Agency.

The Lebanese Health Ministry had earlier reported that four people were killed and 17 others injured in the airstrikes on Baadaran.

Rescue operations continue to clear the rubble and search for survivors.

In a related development, the Health Ministry also confirmed that the death toll from an airstrike on Beirut's southern suburb, Haret Hreik, has reached six, with 91 others wounded.

The southern suburb, a known stronghold of Hezbollah, has been heavily targeted by Israeli forces. Israeli jets conducted multiple strikes on the area, claiming to have targeted Hezbollah's main headquarters.

Despite claims from Israeli army sources, Hezbollah has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the attacks.

Lebanon has faced relentless bombardment from Israel since the hostilities resumed last Monday, resulting in over 700 deaths and nearly 2,200 injuries, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

Over 77,000 people have been displaced as a result of the airstrikes, particularly from southern and eastern parts of the country.

International organizations have expressed concern that the escalating attacks on Lebanon could turn the ongoing Gaza conflict into a broader regional war.

*Writing by Ikram Kouach​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ in Ankara